2016 Top Returning Buffs Countdown: No. 36 to 33

Adam Munsterteiger

07/05/2016

BuffStampede.com Publisher Adam Munsterteiger and Fan Correspondent Tyler Ziskin continue this year's Top Buffs Countdown by talking about a group that features three linemen and an up-and-coming defensive back.

No. 36

Junior Defensive Lineman Timothy Coleman

Dating back to his senior prep season at J.K. Mullen, Coleman has suffered a number injuries, including a ruptured Achilles tendon and a torn ACL. He did play 150 defensive snaps as a redshirt freshman in 2014. He was then on the field for 75 plays as a sophomore but Coleman struggled to fit in as an outside linebacker in Jim Leavitt's new scheme. Coleman moved to the defensive line this spring and he finally began to emerge as a consistent performer. He is listed as a back-up to Jordan Carrell, and as long as he stays healthy and adds a few pounds of bulk to his frame, Coleman should see plenty of action as part of the Buffs' defensive line rotation this fall.

No. 35

Senior Offensive Lineman Shane Callahan

Callahan is entering his final season of college eligibility, yet he is still trying to establish himself at a position. After spending much of spring ball at right tackle under a new offensive line coach Klayton Adams, Callahan was listed as the back-up at right guard on the post-spring depth chart. While basically splitting reps at guard with Jonathan Huckins last season, Callahan gave up a team-most nine-and-a-half sacks. He has the size and attitude to succeed at the Pac-12 level, but will it all come together before his career with the Buffs ends?

No. 34

Junior Offensive Lineman Jonathan Huckins

Huckins ranked best among all of Colorado's offensive linemen with a 61.8 plus-play percentage in 2015, but like each of the Buffs' "big uglies," he struggled with consistency issues. Listed as a co-starter at both left guard and center on the post-spring depth chart, Huckins will either be a starter or the first interior offensive lineman off the bench this season. He has now played 650 offensive snaps at the college level, so like many of Colorado's returning linemen, lack of experience is no longer an excuse.

No. 33

Sophomore Defensive Back Nick Fisher

One of the promising young players on the Buffaloes' roster, Fisher should gradually work his way up the Top Buffs lists throughout his time in Boulder. He got his feet wet by playing on special teams and seeing limited action on defense as a true freshman. Similar to Chidobe Awuzie, Fisher can play all three of the defensive back positions at a high level. Following spring ball, he was listed as a back-up at safety and cornerback, and he might have a future at nickel back. Fisher showed well at safety during the spring game, and given Colorado's lack of depth at safety, it is most likely he will see action there this fall.